I’m an active participant in a number of community and academic organizations. I find it a rewarding way to bring history to a broader public while remaining engaged with scholars working to study the past. A selection of organizations can be found below; a full list is available on my CV.
Academic Organizations
Editor, Alabama Review
Since 2017, I have served as editor of the Alabama Review, the quarterly, peer-reviewed publication of the Alabama Historical Association.
Alabama Historical Association
I’ve been a member of the AHA for several years. From 2025-2026, I served as the organization’s president.
University of Mobile
I serve on a number of committees at UM, including the Academic Affairs Committee, the Teacher Education Council, the General Education Assessment Committee and the Dual Enrollment Committee.
Community Organizations
Alabama Men’s Hall of Fame
I’ve served on the board of the Alabama Men’s Hall of Fame since 2020, and as director from 2024-2026.
Blakeley State Park
Since 2017, I have served on the board of the Historic Blakeley State Park Authority, which oversees the operation of the park, the site of a Civil War battle and an antebellum town.
Matthew L. Downs, Ph.D. 